Michael Jackson - Music Producer, Dancer, Songwriter, Singer - Biography.com Michael Jackson Michael Jackson enjoyed a chart-topping career both with the Jackson 5 and as a solo artist. He released the best-selling album in history, 'Thriller,' in 1982. IN THESE GROUPS » quotes “Being onstage is magic. There's nothing like it. You feel the energy of everybody who's out there. You feel it all over your body.” “Being an entertainer, you just can't tell who is your friend.” “Being mobbed hurts. You feel like you're spaghetti among thousands of hands. They're just ripping you and pulling your hair. And you feel that any moment you're gonna just break.” “I hate to take credit for the songs I've written. I feel that somewhere, someplace, it's been done and I'm just a courier bringing it into the world. I really believe that. I love what I do. I'm happy at what I do. It's escapism.” “Why can't you share your bed?

That's the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone.” “If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” “I always want to know what makes good performers fall to pieces.” “My father would rehearse with a belt in his hand. You couldn't mess up.” “Magic is easy if you put your heart into it.” “I wouldn't be happy doing just one kind of music or label ourselves. I like doing something for everybody ... I don't like our music to be labeled. Labels are like ... racism.” “What I'm asking is whether this is still a country where a peculiar person such as Michael Jackson can get a fair shake and be considered innocent until proven guilty ... or is this just a 21st century American barnyard where we all feel free to turn on the moonwalking rooster ... and peck it to death?” Michael Jackson Michael Jackson - Mini Biography (TV-14; 3:52) "King of Pop" Michael Jackson topped the charts and the tabloids like no other pop star before him.

Check out a summary of his decades in the spotlight with this mini biography. Synopsis Born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson became the lead singer of his family's popular Motown group, the Jackson 5. He went on to a solo career of astonishing success, delivering No. 1 hits from the albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad. The "King of Pop" was dogged by allegations of child molestation in his later years, and died just before launching a comeback tour in 2009. Early Life and Career Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to a large African-American working-class family. His mother, Katherine Jackson , was a homemaker and a devout Jehovah's Witness. His father, Joseph Jackson , had been a guitarist who put aside his musical aspirations to provide for his family as a crane operator. Believing his sons had talent, he molded them into a musical group in the early 1960s. At first, the Jackson Family performers consisted of Michael's older brothers, Tito , Jermaine and Jackie .

Michael joined his siblings when he was 5 years old, and emerged as the group's lead vocalist. He showed remarkable range and depth for such a young performer, impressing audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions. Older brother Marlon also became a member of the group, which evolved into the Jackson 5 . Behind the scenes, Joseph Jackson pushed his sons to succeed. He was also reportedly known to become violent with them. Michael and his brothers spent endless hours rehearsing and polishing up their act. At first, the Jackson 5 played local gigs and built a strong following. They recorded one single on their own, "Big Boy," with the B-side "You've Changed," but the record failed to generate much interest. The Jackson 5 moved on to working as the opening act for such R&B artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown , and Sam and Dave. Many of these performers were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and the Jackson 5 eventually caught the attention of Motown founder Berry Gordy . Impressed by the group, Gordy signed them to his label in early 1969.

Michael and his brothers moved to Los Angeles, where they lived with Gordy and with Diana Ross of the Supremes as they got settled. The Jackson 5 was introduced to the music industry at a special event in August 1969, and the group later opened for the Supremes. Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, hit the charts in December 1969, with its single, "I Want You Back," reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart shortly afterward. More chart-topping singles quickly followed, such as "ABC," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There." Solo Stardom At the age of 13, Jackson launched a solo career in addition to his work with the Jackson 5. He made the charts in 1971 with "Got to Be There," from the album of the same name. His 1972 album, Ben, featured the eponymous ballad about a rat. The song became Jackson's first solo No. 1 single. For several years, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 maintained a busy tour and recording schedule, under the supervision of Berry Gordy and his Motown staff.

The group became so popular, they even had their own self-titled cartoon show, which ran from 1971 to 1972. Despite Jackson's individual achievements and the group's great success, there was trouble brewing behind the scenes. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph Jackson over the management of his children's careers, with the Jacksons wanting more creative control over their material. The group officially severed ties with Motown in 1976, though Jermaine Jackson remained with the label to pursue his solo career. Now calling themselves the Jacksons, the group signed a new recording deal with Epic Records. By the release of their third album for the label, 1978's Destiny, the brothers had emerged as talented songwriters. Michael then wowed the music world with his next solo album, 1979's Off the Wall. An infectious blend of pop and funk, the album featured the Grammy Award-winning single "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," along with such hits as "Rock with You," "She's Out of My Life" and the title track. The overwhelmingly positive response to Off the Wall also helped the Jacksons as a group.

Triumph (1980) sold more than 1 million copies, and the brothers went on an extensive tour to support the recording. However, Michael continued exploring more ways to branch out on his own. He teamed up with rock legend Paul McCartney for their 1982 duet, "The Girl Is Mine," which nearly reached the top of the pop charts. The song also appeared on his next solo album, Thriller (1982), which generated seven Top 10 hits and became the best-selling album in history. On a 1983 television special honoring Motown, Jackson performed his No. 1 hit "Billie Jean" and debuted his soon-to-be-famous dance move, the Moonwalk. Jackson, a veteran performer by this time, created this step himself and choreographed the dance sequences for the video of the album's other No. 1 hit, "Beat It." Jackson's most elaborate music video, however, was for the album's title track. John Landis directed the horror-tinged video, which featured complex dance scenes, special effects and a voice-over by actor Vincent Price . The "Thriller" video was an immense success, boosting sales for the already successful record.

The album stayed on the charts for 80 weeks, holding the No. 1 spot for 37 weeks. In addition to its unparalleled commercial achievements, Thriller garnered 12 Grammy Award nominations and notched eight wins, both records. Jackson's victories showcased the diverse nature of his work. For his songwriting talents, he earned a Grammy (best rhythm and blues song) for "Billie Jean." He also was honored for the singles "Thriller" (best pop vocal performance, male) and "Beat It" (best rock vocal performance, male). With co-producer Quincy Jones , Jackson shared the award for album of the year. Pepsi, 'Bad' and Neverland At the top of his game creatively and commercially, Jackson signed a $5 million endorsement deal with PepsiCo in 1983. However, he was badly injured while filming a commercial for the soda giant in 1984, suffering burns to his face and scalp. Jackson had surgery to repair his injuries, and is believed to have begun experimenting with plastic surgery around this time. His face, especially his nose, would become dramatically altered in the coming years.

That same year, Jackson embarked on his final tour with his brothers to support the album Victory. The one major hit from the recording was Jackson's duet with Mick Jagger, "State of Shock." In 1985, Jackson showed his altruistic side by co-writing "We Are the World," a charity single for USA for Africa. A veritable who's who of music stars participated in the project, including Lionel Richie , Ray Charles , Bob Dylan , Willie Nelson , Bruce Springsteen and Tina Turner . Releasing his follow-up to Thriller in 1987, Jackson reached the top of the charts with Bad. It boasted a record five No. 1 hits, including "Man in the Mirror," "The Way You Make Me Feel" and the title track, which was supported by a video directed by Martin Scorsese . Jackson spent more than a year on the road, playing concerts to promote the album. While highly successful, Bad was unable to duplicate the phenomenal sales of Thriller. A shy and quiet person off-stage, Jackson never was truly comfortable with the media attention he received and rarely gave interviews. By the late 1980s, he had created his own fantasy retreat—a California ranch called Neverland.

There the singer kept exotic pets, such as a chimpanzee named Bubbles. He also installed amusement park-type rides, and sometimes opened up the ranch for children's events. The Neverland stories were just part of the package of increasingly unusual behavior, with rumors swirling that he was lightening the color of his skin to appear more white and sleeping in a special chamber to increase his life span. In 1991, Jackson released Dangerous, featuring the hit "Black or White." The video for this song, directed by Landis, included an appearance by child star Macaulay Culkin . In the video's final minutes, Jackson caused some controversy with his sexual gesturing and violent actions. Many were surprised to see the Peter Pan-like Jackson act in this manner. Jackson's music continued to enjoy widespread popularity in the following years. In 1993, he performed at several important events, including the halftime show of Superbowl XXVII. Jackson also agreed to a rare television interview with Oprah Winfrey , which aired in February.

Seeking to quell some of the rumors about his behavior, he explained that the change in his skin tone was the result of a disease known as vitiligo, and opened up about the abuse he suffered from his father. Molestation Allegations and Career Decline In 1993, allegations of child molestation against Jackson emerged. A 13-year-old boy claimed that the music star had fondled him. Jackson was known to have sleepovers with boys at his Neverland Ranch, but this was the first public charge of wrongdoing. The police searched the ranch, but they found no evidence to support the claim. The following year, Jackson settled the case out of court with the boy's family. Other allegations emerged, but Jackson maintained his innocence. In August 1994, Jackson announced that he had married Lisa Marie Presley , daughter of rock icon Elvis Presley . The couple gave a joint television interview with Diane Sawyer , but the union proved to be short-lived. They divorced in 1996. Some thought that the marriage was a publicity ploy to restore Jackson's image after the molestation allegations. Later that same year, Jackson wed nurse Debbie Rowe . The couple had two children through artificial insemination.

Son Michael Joseph "Prince" Jackson Jr. was born in 1997, and daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson was born in 1998. Rowe and Jackson divorced in 1999, with Jackson receiving full custody of their two children. He would go on to have a third child, Prince Michael "Blanket" Jackson II , with an unknown surrogate. Jackson's musical career began to decline with the lukewarm reception to 1995's HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I, which featured some of his earlier hits as well as new material. The record spawned two hits, "You Are Not Alone" and his duet with sister Janet Jackson , "Scream." The spaceship-themed video for "Scream," which cost a record-setting $7 million to produce, earned a Grammy Award for its slick effects. However, another track from the album, "They Don't Care About Us," brought Jackson intense criticism for using an anti-Semitic term. Jackson returned to the studio to put together Invincible (2001), his first full album of new material in a decade.

The album sold well, but by this point the singer was increasingly becoming known for his eccentricities, which included wearing a surgical mask in public. In 2002, Jackson made headlines when he seemed confused and disoriented on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards. Soon after, he received enormous criticism for dangling his baby son, Blanket, over a balcony while greeting fans in Berlin, Germany. In a later interview, Jackson explained that "We were waiting for thousands of fans down below, and they were chanting they wanted to see my child, so I was kind enough to let them see. I was doing something out of innocence." His reputation was served another blow in 2003 with the television documentary, Living with Michael Jackson. British journalist Martin Bashir spent several months with the singer, even getting him to discuss his relationships with children. Jackson admitted that he continued to have children sleep over at his ranch, even after the 1993 allegations, and that sometimes he slept with the children in his bed. "Why can't you share your bed? That's the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone," Jackson told Bashir.

Jackson encountered more legal woes when he was arrested on charges related to incidents with a 13-year-old boy in 2003. Facing 10 counts in all, he was charged with lewd conduct with a minor, attempted lewd conduct, administering alcohol to facilitate molestation, and conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. The resulting 2005 trial was a media circus, with fans, detractors and camera crews surrounding the courthouse. More than 130 people testified, including Macaulay Culkin. The actor told the court that he had been friends with Jackson as a young teen, and never had any problems while staying over at the Neverland Ranch. Jackson's accuser also appeared via videotape and described how he had been given wine and molested. However, the jury found problems with his testimony, as well as that of his mother, and Jackson was found not guilty of all charges on June 14, 2005. Final Years In the aftermath of the trial, Jackson's reputation was effectively destroyed and his finances were in shambles.

He soon found refuge in his friendship with Bahrain's Prince Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, who helped the pop star pay his legal and utility bills, and invited him to his country as a personal guest. In Bahrain, the prince took care of the singer's expenses and built a recording studio for him. In return, Jackson allegedly promised to collaborate on a new album for Al-Khalifa's record label, write an autobiography and create a stage play. The completed work never materialized, however, and Jackson soon faced a $7 million lawsuit from his friend for reneging on his promises. In even greater financial straits, Jackson defaulted on the $24.5 million loan owed on his Neverland Ranch in 2008. Unable to part with cherished keepsakes, including the crystal gloves he used in performances, Jackson sued to block the auction of some of his personal items from the home the following year.

Around this same time, the largely reclusive Jackson announced that he would be performing a series of concerts as his "final curtain call." Despite all of the allegations and stories of odd behavior, Jackson remained a figure of great interest, as demonstrated by the strong response to his concert plans; set to appear at the O2 Arena in London, England, beginning July 8, 2009, Jackson saw all of the tickets to his "This Is It" tour sell out in only four hours. Tragic Death Sadly, Michael Jackson would never get to experience the anticipated success of his comeback tour. On June 25, 2009, Jackson suffered cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home. He was rushed to the hospital after his heart stopped and CPR attempts failed, and died later that morning. He was 50 years old. News of Jackson's death resulted in an outpouring of public grief and sympathy. Memorials to Jackson were erected around the world, including one at the arena where he was set to perform and another at his childhood home in Gary, Indiana.

On July 7, 2009, a televised memorial was held for fans of the "King of Pop" at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. While 17,500 free tickets were issued to fans via lottery, an estimated 1 billion viewers watched the memorial on TV or online. The Jackson family held a private funeral on September 3, 2009, at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, for immediate family members and 200 guests. Celebrity mourners included Jackson's ex-wife, Lisa Marie Presley, and actress Elizabeth Taylor . As dictated in his will, Jackson's children were placed in the care of their grandmother, Katherine Jackson. In respect to their father's wishes, Prince, Paris and Blanket were largely kept out of the limelight. They stepped up to the mic in 2009 to speak to fans at their father's funeral, and again in January 2010 to accept a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award for their father at the Grammys. A documentary of Jackson's preparations for his final tour, entitled This Is It, was released in October 2009.

The film, which features a compilation of interviews, rehearsals and backstage footage of its star, made $23 million in its opening weekend and skyrocketed to No. 1 at the box office. This Is It would go on to make $261 million worldwide, becoming the highest grossing concert film of all time. In December 2010, the posthumous album Michael was released amid controversy about whether the singer actually performed some of the tracks. Brother Randy was among those who questioned the authenticity of the recordings, but the Jackson estate later refuted the claims, according to The New York Times. Another posthumous album, Xscape, was released in May 2014. R&B star and Jackson protege Usher performed its first single, "Love Never Felt So Good," that month at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. The album, which includes eight songs recorded by Jackson between 1983 and 1999, debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart. Dr.

Conrad Murray's Investigation and Trial More heartache for the Jackson family came in February 2010, when an official coroner's report detailing Michael Jackson's cause of death was released. According to the report, the singer had died from acute propofol intoxication. The overdose was triggered by a lethal prescription drug cocktail, which included the sedatives midazolam, diazepam and lidocaine. Aided by his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray , Jackson took the drugs to help him sleep at night. Murray told police that he believed Jackson had developed a particular addiction to propofol, which Jackson referred to as his "milk." Murray reportedly administered propofol by IV in the evenings, in 50-milligram dosages, and was attempting to wean the pop star off the drug around the time of his death. A police investigation revealed that Dr. Murray was not licensed to prescribe most controlled drugs in the state of California. The steps he had taken to save Jackson also came under scrutiny, as evidence showed that the standard of care for administering propofol had not been met, and the recommended equipment for patient monitoring, precision dosing and resuscitation had not been present.

As a result, Jackson's death was ruled a homicide, and Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter on November 7, 2011, earning a maximum prison sentence of four years. When Murray's trial ended, the Jackson family focused once again on moving forward with their lives. However, by the following year, the Jacksons were making new headlines. In July 2012, a judge temporarily suspended Katherine Jackson's guardianship of Prince, Paris and Blanket—during which time T.J. Jackson, son of Tito, received temporary custody of the children—after she was erroneously reported missing by a relative. Katherine's "disappearance" came shortly after a dispute between her and several members of the Jackson clan, who raised questions about the validity of Michael Jackson's will, pointed fingers at the Jackson matriarch and called for the executors of his estate to resign. It was soon discovered that the elderly woman wasn't missing, but had simply taken a trip to Arizona. On August 2, 2012, a judge restored Katherine Jackson as the primary guardian of Prince, Paris and Blanket, also approving a plan granting T.J. Jackson co-guardianship of the children.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit and Aftermath Though closure on Michael Jackson's death seemed attainable by late 2012, it would only be a matter of months before the Jackson family encountered a new brand of turmoil. Believing that AEG Live—the entertainment company that promoted Michael Jackson's planned comeback series in 2009—had failed to effectively protect the singer while he was under Conrad Murray's care, the Jackson family launched a wrongful death lawsuit. One of their lawyers, Brian Panish, discussed AEG's alleged wrongdoing in the trial's opening statements on April 29, 2013: "They wanted to be No. 1 at all costs," he said. "We're not looking for any sympathy ... we're looking for truth and justice." Jackson family lawyers sought up to $1.5 billion—an estimation of what Michael Jackson could have earned to that point—but in October 2013, a jury determined that AEG wasn't responsible for the singer's death. "Although Michael Jackson's death was a terrible tragedy, it was not a tragedy of AEG Live's making," said company lawyer Marvin S. Putnam.

Despite the unfavorable outcome of that trial for the Jacksons, the family has reaped the benefits of the singer's enduring popularity. Since his passing, he has been profiled in multiple biographies, and inspired the creation of two Cirque du Soleil shows. Furthermore, Michael's debts have been settled thanks to his earlier investment in the Sony/ATV Music catalog, which includes the publishing rights for songs of such industry heavyweights as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift . Videos Biography for Kids: Michael Jackson by Jack Kightlinger Where was Michael Jackson born? Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana on August 19, 1958. Michael's father, Joe Jackson, worked as a crane operator at a steel mill. His mother, Katherine, took care of the family and sometimes took part time jobs. Both of Michael's parents loved music. His dad played guitar for an R & B band and his mother sang and played the piano. Growing up, all of the Jackson children were encouraged to study music. The Jackson Family Michael grew up in a large family.

He had five brothers (Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy) and three sisters (Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet). Michael was the third youngest with Randy and Janet both being younger. The Jacksons were fairly poor and lived in a small house with just two bedrooms for eleven people. A Strict Father Joe Jackson was a very strict father. He didn't allow the kids to have a lot of friends and he often whipped the children if they disobeyed. He wanted them to stay out of trouble and away from gangs. Later, when the Jackson 5 was still getting started, Joe would push the boys to practice for hours. He would hit them or verbally abuse them if they made a mistake. A Young Singer The three older brothers (Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine) formed a band called the Jackson Brothers. Michael and his brother Marlon joined the band in 1964. Soon, the family realized that Michael was a gifted singer and dancer. At just eight years old, Michael began to sing lead vocals along with his older brother Jermaine. The Jackson 5 Joe Jackson realized that his children were very talented. He felt that they could become successful in music.

They changed the name of the band to the Jackson 5 and began playing all around town. Then they began touring the Midwest where they played in bars and clubs. They won several talent shows and began to gain a name for themselves. Michael (center) singing with the Jackson 5 Source: CBS Television In 1968, the Jackson 5 signed a record contract with Motown Records. Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, reached #1 on the R & B chart and #5 on the Pop Albums Chart. Michael sang lead vocals on their first single, "I Want You Back", which hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fame The Jackson 5 continued to have success. They released more number one singles like "ABC", "I'll Be There", and "The Love You Save." As the lead singer, Michael was becoming very famous. He couldn't go to school because he would be mobbed by fans, so he was taught by private tutors in between rehearsals and concerts. Michael was just a kid when all this happened. He didn't get to play with other kids his age and later felt like he missed out on having a childhood.

Michael Begins a Solo Career While still singing with the Jackson 5, Michael had a number of solo albums. At first his solo career didn't take off, but he did have a few hit songs including "Ben" and "Got to Be There." However, in 1978 Michael met music producer Quincy Jones while working on the set of the movie The Wiz. He broke away from the family band and worked on his first "grown up" album. In 1979, Michael released the album Off the Wall. It was a huge hit and had four top ten songs including the number one singles "Rock with You" and "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough." Michael was now one of the biggest stars in music. Thriller Michael wanted to follow up Off the Wall with an even bigger album. This was going to be quite the task. He worked with Quincy Jones again and in late 1982 released the album Thriller. The album was a huge success. It had seven top ten singles and won eight Grammy awards. Eventually, Thriller would become the best selling album of all time. Michael had now become the biggest star in the music industry.

In addition to the music on Thriller, Michael also broke new ground with his music videos. Up until that time, most music videos just showed the band or singer performing the song. Michael wanted to create a story with his videos. These new types of music videos became very popular and changed the way music videos were made. The most famous of his videos was a 13 minute long video for the album's title song Thriller. It was later voted as the most influential music video of all time. Later Career Although Michael's career peaked with the Thriller album, he released several more successful albums including Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995), and Invincible (2001). Private Life Michael Jackson led an interesting, if somewhat strange, private life. He lived in a large complex he named Neverland Ranch, after the land where fictional character Peter Pan lived. Neverland was part home, part amusement park. The ranch had a petting zoo, railroads, and rides such as a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cards, and a carousel. Michael was married twice.

His first marriage was to Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the famous rock singer Elvis Presley . His second marriage was to a nursing assistant named Debbie Rowe. He had two children, Michael Joseph Jackson and Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, with Debbie before they were divorced. Michael also had a third child, Prince Michael Jackson II, but the mother's identity is unknown. Changing Appearance Michael was also famous for changing his appearance. Over the years his nose became thinner, his face changed shape, and his skin tone became lighter. Some people think that he did not like his appearance because of his abuse from his father at a young age. There is also some debate as to how his skin tone changed. Regardless, he looked considerably different as the years passed. Death Michael died of a heart attack on June 25, 2009. He was fifty years old. The heart attack was likely caused by drugs he was taking to help him sleep. Interesting Facts about Michael Jackson He was the best selling artist in the United States for 2009, the year of his death. Around 35 million of his albums were sold worldwide in the 12 months after he died. He had two pet llamas on his ranch called Lola and Louis.

The album Thriller was number one on the Billboard Chart for 37 weeks. He purchased the rights to the Beetles catalogue in 1985 for $47 million. His skin doctor said that his skin tone changed because he had a disease called vitiligo. He was burned when his hair caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial.

Michael Jackson - Biography - IMDb Michael Jackson Biography Showing all 246 items Jump to: Overview (5) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (2) | Trade Mark (10) | Trivia (180) | Personal Quotes (48) Overview (5) 25 June 2009 , Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA (acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication and involuntary manslaughter) Birth Name Mike Mikey Smelly - called this by Quincy Jones because " Michael wouldn't say funky. Hed say smelly jelly." Height 5' 9" (1.75 m) Mini Bio (1) Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana on August 29, 1958, and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joe Jackson , had been a guitarist, but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Katherine Jackson (née Katherine Esther Scruse). Together, they prodded their growing family's musical interests at home.

By the early 1960s, the older boys Jackie, Tito and Jermaine had begun performing around the city; by 1964, Michael and Marlon had joined in. A musical prodigy, Michael's singing and dancing talents were amazingly mature, and he soon became the dominant voice and focus of the Jackson 5 . An opening act for such soul groups as the O-Jays and James Brown , it was Gladys Knight (not Diana Ross ) who officially brought the group to Berry Gordy 's attention, and by 1969, the boys were producing back-to-back chart-busting hits as Motown artists ("I Want You Back," "ABC," "Never Can Say Goodbye," "Got to Be There," etc.). As a product of the 1970s, the boys emerged as one of the most accomplished black pop / soul vocal groups in music history, successfully evolving from a group like The Temptations to a disco phenomenon. Solo success for Michael was inevitable, and by the 1980s, he had become infinitely more popular than his brotherly group.

Record sales consistently orbited, culminating in the biggest-selling album of all time, "Thriller" in 1982. A TV natural, he ventured rather uneasily into films, such as playing the Scarecrow in The Wiz (1978), but had much better luck with elaborate music videos. In the 1990s, the downside as an 1980s pop phenomenon began to rear itself. Michael grew terribly child-like and introverted by his peerless celebrity. A rather timorous, androgynous figure to begin with, his physical appearance began to change drastically, and his behavior grew alarmingly bizarre, making him a consistent target for scandal-making, despite his numerous charitable acts. Two brief marriages -- one to Elvis Presley 's daughter Lisa Marie Presley -- were forged and two children produced by his second wife during that time, but the purposes behind them appeared image-oriented. Despite it all, Jackson's passion and artistry as a singer, dancer, writer and businessman are unparalleled, and it is these prodigious talents that will ultimately prevail over the extremely negative aspects of his seriously troubled adult life.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Gary Brumburgh / gr-home@pacbell.net Spouse (2) Fluid and energetic dancing Trivia (180) Through his "Heal the World" Foundation, Jackson spearheaded airlifts of food and medical supplies to war-torn Sarajevo, instituted mentoring, immunization and drug-abuse education programs and paid for a Hungarian child's liver transplant. Second child, with Debbie Rowe , daughter Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, is born. [April 1998] Wife, Debbie Rowe , gave birth to a son, named Prince Michael (Michael Joseph Jackson Jr.), in Beverly Hills, California. [February 1997] Macaulay Culkin is godfather to his three children. Married Lisa Marie Presley in La Vega, Dominican Republic, by Judge Hugo Francisco Alvarez Perez. Witnesses present were Thomas Keough and Eve Darling (Lisa Marie's ex-brother-in-law and his wife, ex-sister-in-law). [May 1994] Shares with Carlos Santana the record for most Grammys won in one year, with eight.

First solo artist to generate four top ten hits on the Billboard charts on one album with "Off the Wall." First artist to generate seven top ten hits (USA) on one album with "Thriller." Until August 2011, he was the only artist in history to generate five #1 hits (USA) from one album with "Bad". Katy Perry has since tied this record with her album "Teenage Dream". With Lionel Richie , co-wrote the song "We Are the World," and was one of its performers. His 1982 album "Thriller" is the biggest selling album of all time, with confirmed sales of over 51 million, and claimed sales of over 100 million copies worldwide. His 1991 album "Dangerous" is one of the biggest selling album of all time, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide. His 1987 album "BAD" is one of the biggest selling albums of all time, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide. Brother of (in this order) Rebbie Jackson , Jackie Jackson , Tito Jackson , Jermaine Jackson , La Toya Jackson , Marlon Jackson , Randy Jackson and Janet Jackson .

Copied his moon walk after mime Marcel Marceau in "walk-against-the- wind" pantomime techniques. Wrote and recorded a song called "On the Line", produced by Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds , for the film Get on the Bus (1996) that was not included on the soundtrack for the film. The name of his 2700-acre ranch near Santa Ynez, California, is Neverland Valley Ranch. It contains Jackson's house, an amusement park co-designed by Macaulay Culkin , a private theater and dance stage, and exotic animals. He is being sued by two former financial advisors for $25 million over alleged unpaid expenses. Jackson denies owing them anything. [September 2001] Had a skin disease called vitiligo. Was a Jehovah's Witness. Uncle of Jermaine Jackson II , Valencia Jackson , Brittany Jackson , Marlon Jackson Jr. , Stevanna Jackson . His estate contains a child's mini coaster, Zipper, Bumper cars, Merry go round, octopus, Giant slide and rocking dragon..

There is also a full size basketball court, water wars section (for water gun fights) 2 Trains, (one steam train) and a zoo where he has various exotic animals including elephants, giraffes, alligators, a tiger and even an Anaconda. He does not own the right to the entire Beatles catalogue. For example, the family of the late George Harrison own songs he wrote, including "Something," and Sony music owns 50% of the catalogue after Jackson sold it to them because he needed the money. Son of Katherine Jackson , and Joe Jackson . Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 (as a solo artist). Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 (as a member of the Jackson 5 ). Jackson shocked his fans when he dangled his third child, infant Prince Michael II , over a balcony on the fourth floor of a Berlin, Germany hotel for all hovering fans to see. He later stated that he made "a terrible mistake.".

[November 2002] Starting with Michael Jackson: Black or White (1991), Jackson and his record company refer to his music videos, before or since, as "short films," never "videos". Has his look-alike puppet in the French show Les guignols de l'info (1988). Is the godfather of Michael Gibb, son of The Bee Gees front man Barry Gibb . He and his lawyer, Mark Geragos, sued jet charter company XtraJet for invasion of privacy. The firm allegedly installed hidden cameras to tape the two's confidential attorney-client conversations. A California judge has barred the firm from releasing or selling any footage it may have obtained. [November 2003] In 2002 had planned to produce and star in the movie "The Nightmares of Edgar Allan Poe", about the last years of writer Edgar Allan Poe . He was to star as the famed 19th century author (who was Caucasian), and had written music for the film as well. For a charity event held at the Neverland Ranch in September 2003, for the first time ever, he invited an artist from the outside to perform there.

It was Yannick Harrison , also known as Jay Kid, from Denmark that performed a number of his interpretations of Michael Jackson songs for the specially invited guests. Has sold over 750 million albums worldwide. Was present at the private funeral service for Maurice Gibb . He was voted the 35th Greatest Artist of all time in Rock 'n' Roll by Rolling Stone. His favorite The Beatles '' song is "Come Together" - his version of the song is on "History - Past, Present and Future.". Was found not guilty on ten counts of child molestation on 13 June 2005 due to lack of evidence. Ranked #11 in VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Kid Stars" with his brothers as the Jackson 5 . He was (along with Tito Jackson ) co-best man at Liza Minnelli 's and David Gest 's wedding. Tatum O'Neal , was Jackson's first girlfriend and allegedly his first real love. However, she denied this in her book, saying that he only kissed. His hit song "Bad" from 1987 was initially supposed to be a duet with fellow 80's superstar Prince.

Prince said in an interview that he did not wish to sing the line "Your butt is mine". Ex-brother-in-law of James DeBarge . President Ronald Reagan wanted to award a special White House medal to Jackson, Bob Hope and the late John Wayne in 1984. However, future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts advised against the proposal, saying the award was too much for a pop singer. Received a Presidential Humanitarian Award from President Ronald Reagan at the White House in May 1984, in recognition of Jackson's contribution to the government's campaign against drunk driving. "Beat It" was used in television advertisements. Jackson joined Chris Tucker , Tony Bennett , former president Bill Clinton and members of the Democratic National Committee at Harlem's Apollo Theatre in New York for a concert fundraiser. Tucker co-hosted the event with actress Cicely Tyson , while Rubén Blades , k.d. lang and Bennett performed. Jackson sang a medley of songs that included "Black or White" and "Smooth Criminal", and was joined by Jane's Addiction guitarist and former Red Hot Chili Peppers Dave Navarro for a portion of his set (24 April 2002).

Attended a memorial service for the late actor Marlon Brando in August 2004, along with Warren Beatty , Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn . Addressed the Oxford Union on the subject of child welfare and his new initiative "Heal the Kids". (6 March 2001) Was asked to write and perform the songs for Batman (1989), but had to turn it down due to his concert commitments. In January 2000 Jackson announced he was considering retiring from the music industry, citing his weariness at publicity as a reason. In 1997, Jackson released an album of new material coupled with remixes of hit singles from the "HIStory" album titled "Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix". He dedicated the album to his friend Sir Elton John , who had helped him through his addiction to prescribed painkillers. It went on to sell 6 million copies worldwide, making it the biggest selling remix album of all time. His album "HIStory: Past, Present and Future - Book I" has sold 16 million copies worldwide since its release in 1995, making it the biggest selling multiple-disc album of all time.

His 2001 album "Invincible" sold over 10 million copies worldwide. In January 1993 Jackson performed during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. It drew the largest viewing audience in the history of American television. In a move named by Jackson's advisers as "refinancing," it was announced in April 2006 that Jackson had struck a deal with Sony and Fortress investments. In the deal Sony may be allowed to take control of half of Jackson's 50% stake in Sony/ ATV Music Publishing (worth an estimated $1 billion) which Jackson co-owns. Jackson would be left with 25% of the catalog, with the rest belonging to Sony. In exchange, Sony negotiated with a loans company on behalf of Jackson. Jackson's $200m in loans were due in December 2005 and were secured on the catalog. Jackson failed to pay and the Bank of America sold them to Fortress investments, a company dealing in distressed loans. However, Jackson hasn't as yet sold any of the remainder of his stake.

The possible purchase by Sony of 25% of Sony/ATV Music Publishing is a conditional option; it is assumed the singer will try to avoid having to sell part of the catalog of songs including material by other artists such as 'Bob Dylan' and Destiny's Child . As another part of the deal Jackson was given a new $300 million loan, and a lower interest rate on the old loan to match the original Bank of America rate. When the loan was sold to Fortress investments they increased the interest rate to 20%. Winner of the Brit Award for International Male in 1989. Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for International Solo Artist in 1988. Winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for International Solo Artist in 1984. Was a frequent guest at the infamous "Studio 54" On 27 May 2006, Jackson accepted a Legend Award at MTV Japan's VMA Awards in Tokyo. It was his first public appearance since being found not guilty in his child molestation trial almost a year earlier. The award was honoring his influence and impact in music videos over the past 25 years.

Despite a number of surgeons' claims that Jackson has undergone multiple nasal surgeries as well as a forehead lift, thinned lips and cheekbone surgery, Jackson wrote in his 1988 autobiography "Moon Walk" that he only had two rhinoplastic surgeries and the surgical creation of a cleft in his chin, while attributing puberty and diet to the noticeable change in the structure of his face. Jackson hired film director Martin Scorsese to direct the video for the "Bad" album's title track. When the 18-minute music video debuted on television, it sparked a great deal of controversy as it was apparent that Jackson's appearance had changed dramatically. Although Jackson's skin color had been a medium- brown color for the entire duration of his youth, his skin had gradually become paler since 1982, and had now become a light brown color. This was now so noticeable that the entire press took out widespread coverage on it and claimed that Jackson had bleached his own skin. In 1993 Jackson claimed that his changing skin color is due to a skin disorder vitiligo whilst on The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986).

Performed at the ball for President Bill Clinton 's first inauguration on 20 January 1993. "Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection", his third greatest hits package in less than ten years, sold 250,000 copies worldwide following its release in October 2004. "The Essential Michael Jackson", another greatest hits package, debuted at a surprisingly high Number 2 on the UK charts and sold 200,000 copies within five months. In the United States it only reached Number 96 and soon disappeared. Recorded an anti-war song about the US invasion of Iraq, "We've Had Enough", which was included on his greatest hits package "Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection". His greatest hits compilation "Michael Jackson: Number Ones" sold 6 million copies worldwide following its release in November 2003, peaking at Number 1 in most countries except the United States. It had been planned at the last minute after "Resurrection", a follow-up to his 2001 album "Invincible", was canceled.

Fortress Investment Group foreclosed and took possession of Jackson's half- interest in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing company, estimated to be worth $1 billion, as well as the entire MiJac Music Publishing company. (December 2005) Promotional videos of his songs directed by, among others, John Landis and John Singleton have cost more than some motion pictures. Paid $1.5 million in 1999 for the Best Picture Oscar awarded to David O. Selznick for Gone with the Wind (1939). Announced his intention to record a charity single dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina entitled, "I Have This Dream". Ciara , Snoop Dogg , R. Kelly , Keyshia Cole , James Ingram , Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine Jackson , Shanice , the Shirley Caesar and The O'Jays all supposedly lent their voices to the charity song. At the time, Jackson's spokesperson, Raymone K. Bain, said the list of performers included Mary J. Blige , Missy Elliott , Jay Z , James Brown and Lenny Kravitz . All of these artists later appeared to be no longer participating. The Katrina Charity Single remains unreleased.

He was a close friend of the former child star Mark Lester . Lester is godfather to Jackson's children. Although the two had not spoken for several years before his death. He was never related to Elvis Presley by marriage since Presley died many years before his marriage to Lisa Marie. Is spoofed in Eminem 's music video "Just Lose It". Jackson was fired from Two Seas Records, with whom he had signed a recording contract in April 2006 for one album. The album had been set for a fall 2007 release. (September 2006) California state authorities ordered Jackson to close the Neverland Ranch and fined him more than $100,000 for failing to pay the staff there or maintain proper insurance. (March 2006). When Jackson performed in England in 1982, he asked to meet former actor Mark Lester . "He wanted to meet someone who had a similar background, a child star," Lester said. The result was a lifelong friendship. Presented with an "Artist of the decade" award by Elizabeth Taylor in 1989, proclaiming him "the true king of pop, rock and soul".

Ordered to pay Debbie Rowe $60,000 for legal fees in their battle for custody over of their two children. Los Angeles Judge Robert Schnider gave Jackson until 28 September to obey the order. Rowe had asked for $195,000, but the judge noted that she had received eight million dollars in the divorce. (6 September 2006). In October 2002 it was revealed by various international banks that Jackson was in financial debt into the tens of millions of dollars due to various unpaid loans. Some of his favorite pastimes were water balloon fights and climbing trees. He wrote several songs sitting in his favorite tree at Neverland, which he called Giving Tree, because it was so inspiring. Did not tour America after the BAD tour in 1987. Received a Special Award for a Generation at the Brit Awards in 1996. Received the World Music Award for world's best-selling album of all time, "Thriller", at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club, on 8 May 1996. Received the Diamond Award for selling more than 100 million albums at the World Music Awards in London on 15 November 2006.

Ended more than a year of speculation by buying the British music publishing company ATV Music for a reported £34 million ($50 million) in August 1985. The company owned 40,000 songs, including the Northern Songs catalog which contained all The Beatles songs up to their Apple Days. Jackson outbid Coca-Cola, EMI, CBS (who thereafter looked after the catalog for Jackson) and a very disappointed Paul McCartney , who had originally tried to buy Northern Songs for £21 million ($35 million) in 1981 and then later - again unsuccessfully - in conjunction with Yoko Ono . 1st May 2001: His video for "Thriller" was voted at #1 by VH1 on their countdown of the Top 100 Greatest Videos Of All Time. At #2 was "Like A Prayer" by Madonna . Won a poll of superstars to have his image on a stamp issued by the Virgin Islands in July 1985. He asked that the Virgin Islands donated all revenue (the stamps were priced between 60 cents and $1.50) to welfare and education.

Disappointed his fans by singing a few lines from "We Are the World", accompanied by a children's choir, after he had been rumored to perform his 1982 hit "Thriller" as a triumphant comeback at the World Music Awards at Earls Court, London. Jackson left the stage to audible boos from the audience - some of his fans had paid up to £500 a ticket to see him perform. (15 November 2006). Filed complaints against the Independent Television Commission and the Broadcasting Standards Commission of the UK following the documentary Living with Michael Jackson: A Tonight Special (2003). Held his first live concert in four years at Madison Square Garden, New York, in early September 2001. He was paid £10 million for two concerts. Originally intended to begin his solo career when he turned eighteen in 1976, but financial problems forced him to remain with the Jackson Five, renaming themselves The Jacksons for legals reasons, until 1979.

While Jackson has claimed 104 million sales for his 1982 album "Thriller", the Guinness Book of World Records has put the figure at 51 million copies sold as of 2006. A $10 million lawsuit filed by Jackson was dismissed by a US judge. The lawsuit was filed against a man from New Jersey who was allegedly in possession of items and memorabilia that Jackson claims were stolen. (14 January 2006). In 1997 a survey declared Jackson the most famous person in the world, ahead of Pope John Paul II and then US President Bill Clinton . It is clear in the opinion of a number of plastic surgeons that Jackson has undergone extensive plastic surgery and it may be said that he is hardly recognizable as the same person he was as an adolescent, but the effectiveness of his cosmetic surgery has been hotly debated. He was the highest earning singer of 1988-1989, with $125 million from his worldwide "BAD" album tour. Honored by CBS as the "top selling act of the Eighties" in March 1990.

Jackson was seen by a record 500,000 people during his seven day stand at Wembley Stadium in July 1988. Moonwalker (1988) was certified as the all-time top selling music video in March 1989. Attended James Brown 's funeral in Augusta, Georgia. (30 December 2006). Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British music and integral part of British music culture. [November 2004] He returned to live in the United States on 24 December 2006, setting up residence in Las Vegas. On 13 June 2003, the day after his neighbor and friend of 25 years Gregory Peck died, Jackson went to Peck's house to help his widow plan the memorial service. Peck had once publicly praised the singer as a model parent. The music video for his song "Thriller" was with 13 minutes the longest music video ever, until this record was broken by Mike Skinner with the video for the song "When You Wasn't Famous".

Jackson greeted thousands of US troops in a US army base south of Tokyo on 10 March 2007. About 3,000 troops and their family members gathered in a fitness center at Camp Zama. Jackson, after shaking hands with and thanking the troops personally for their service, spoke to the crowd gathered, saying, "Those of you in here today are some of the most special people in the world. It is because of you in here today, and others who so valiantly have given their lives to protect us, that we enjoy our freedom." Jackson also attended a ceremony at the camp for an army member being promoted and put a pin on his uniform. At his peak, Jackson was reportedly worth around $1 Billion. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. His 1979 debut solo album "Off the Wall" has sold around 20 million copies worldwide. His 2001 album "Invincible" was his first full album of new material for ten years, since 1991's "Dangerous". Fell out with Quincy Jones after the producer cut half the songs from his 1987 album "BAD".

In a 2006 interview with "The Daily Telegraph" newspaper, Jones admitted he had not spoken to Jackson for years. Diagnosed with lupus in 1984. Claimed to have given $300 million to charity, more than any other celebrity apart from Oprah Winfrey . Childhood school friend of David Gest . Attended the funeral of his close friend Ryan White in April 1990. Longtime supporter of AIDS research and over thirty-two more charities. In the early 1970s while still very young and a member of the Jackson 5 , appeared on The Dating Game (1965). Roles were reversed; Michael asked questions and picked a date from three eligible "bachelorettes". Is a fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A special 25th anniversary edition of his 1982 album "Thriller", entitled "Thriller 25", sold an estimated 3 million copies worldwide. Upon his death, many fans left remembrances at the Hollywood star, located at 1541 Vine Street, awarded to a long time radio talk show host also named Michael Jackson.

Upon hearing of this, the radio commentator said, "I am willingly loan it to him and, if it would bring him back, he can have it. He was a real star. Sinatra, Presley, The Beatles and Michael Jackson.". The Jacksons were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 Vine Street in Hollywood, California. Made an out-of-court settlement with the family of 13-year-old Jordie Chandler for an estimated $15 million in January 1994 following allegations of sexual abuse against children. Owed an estimated $435 million in debts at the time of his death. At the time of his death Jackson was living in a rented mansion once owned by the actor Sir Sean Connery in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. His favorite movie as a child and teenager was Oliver! (1968). Celebrities provided varied comments after Jackson's sudden death. Madonna and Diana Ross released statements saying they could not stop crying. Jackson's former wife, Lisa Marie Presley , said the singer had told her he was afraid he would end up like Elvis Presley , her father.

Elizabeth Taylor , a long-time friend, said she, "can't imagine life without him." Liza Minnelli told CBS, "When the autopsy comes, all hell's going to break loose, so thank God we're ­celebrating him now." Jamie Foxx , stated: "We want to celebrate this black man. He belongs to us and we shared him with everybody else.". Following his death, U.S. President Barack Obama sent a letter of condolence to the Jackson family, and during a press conference the Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that President Obama viewed Jackson as a "spectacular performer, and a music icon". In Congress, Representatives Diane Watson and Jesse Jackson Jr. asked members to observe a moment of silence. MTV and BET began airing his music videos, and ran two news specials, until 8 p.m. EDT the following day of his death. The news of his death spread quickly online, causing websites to crash and slow down from user overload. Both TMZ and the Los Angeles Times, two websites that were the first to confirm the news, suffered outages. His death triggered an outpouring of grief.

Fans gathered outside the UCLA Medical Center, his Holmby Hills home, the Apollo Theater in New York, and at Hitsville U.S.A., the old Motown headquarters in Detroit where his career began, now the Motown Museum. Streets around the hospital were blocked off, and across America people left offices and factories to watch the breaking news on television. An Amazon spokesperson said that the website sold out of all of his CDs, and those of the Jackson 5 , within minutes of the news of his death breaking. He had been scheduled to perform 50 sold-out concerts to over one million people at London's O2 arena, from July 13, 2009 to March 6, 2010, which he implied during a press conference would have been the final concerts of his career. Unfortunately he passed away before he could perform any of these shows. His rehearsals for the tour were documented in This Is It (2009).

On the day of Jackson's death, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) paramedics received a 911 call at 12:21 pm (19:21 UTC), and arrived three minutes and seventeen seconds later, at which point Jackson was reportedly not breathing. The recording of the emergency call was released by the LAFD on June 27, 2009. Paramedics are reported to have wanted to pronounce him dead at the scene, but a doctor insisted he be taken to a hospital. CPR was performed on the way to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where they arrived at 1:14 pm (20:14 UTC), and continued for an hour. He was pronounced dead at 2:26 pm (21:26 UTC). Producer Keya Morgan gave Jackson a ring that once belonged to Marilyn Monroe . Following the week of his death, his album sales collectively spiked over 2000%.

The Staples Center Michael Jackson memorial service non-performing VIP attendees included Sean Combs , Larry King , Barbara Walters , Jaleel White , Lil' Kim , Spike Lee , Don King , Vicki Roberts , Nicole Richie , Dionne Warwick , Kim Kardashian West , and Kris Jenner . Music website Amazon sold as many Jackson albums in the 24 hours after his death as in the previous 11 years. His gold coffin seen at his memorial is a rare design called the Promethean. It cost $25,000 and is made of solid bronze but is 14-carat gold-plated with a hand-polished mirror finish and lined with velvet. It is identical to the coffin used to bury James Brown in 2006 - which may have inspired Jackson after he saw it when Brown lay in state. His memorial service from the Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7th 2009 brought the Internet's second largest day ever in terms of total traffic. In the 1980s, Jackson and Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury became close friends and recorded three songs together - "Victory", "State of Shock" (later recorded by Mick Jagger ) and "There Must Be More To Life Than This".

All are demos and have never been officially released. The Elephant Man (1980) was one of his favorite movies. Spent his last days at a rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in Los Angeles. The property was once owned by Sean Connery . An Andy Warhol head-and-shoulders portrait of Jackson made the cover of Time magazine on March 19, 1984. He died on the same day as Farrah Fawcett . Both were in California at the time. She died at 9:28 a.m PDT, he was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. after hours of unsuccessful resuscitation. It is estimated that Michael Jackson 's earnings in the six months following his death on June 25 2009 will top the entire $149 million (£90 million) made by Jimi Hendrix since he passed away in 1970. (Jackson's estate subsequently grew from £3.5 million at the time of his 2009 death to £400 million or $679 million by 2014).

Two months after his death, just before what would be his 51st birthday, and the day of his burial, his Number Ones album surpassed Taylor Swift's highly successful album Fearless as the best selling album of 2009 at that point. He had a long standing relationship with Cherokee Studios, reaching back to his days with the Jackson 5. It was during an early Jackson 5 recording session at Cherokee that Shelley Berger, longtime Motown Manager, first realized his talent, telling Rolling Stone Magazine he would be "the new Sammy Davis." Later, he came back to Cherokee to record his multi platinum breakout solo Album Off the Wall. His relationship with Cherokee continued throughout his solo career, culminating in the recording of what went on to become the best selling album of all time, Thriller (over 51 million albums sold worldwide). Holds 10 different Guinness World Records. In 1991, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a top secret film project called "MidKnight" which would star Jackson as meek young man by day, who secretly changes into a heroic singing and dancing knight at the stroke of midnight. The film was part of Jackson's $1 billion re-up with Sony Music.

But the project fell apart due to contractual issues as well as the 1993 child molestation allegations. Jackson received his very first screen kiss in the John Singleton -directed music video, "Remember the Time" (1992), when he kissed Iman (playing Queen Nefertiti to Eddie Murphy 's Pharaoh). Achieved the dubious distinction in 2009 of meriting the number three position on Forbes magazine's list of "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities". Jackson's posthumous earnings of $90 million were surpassed only by Yves Saint-Laurent and Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II (as Rodgers & Hammerstein). Kept a pet chimpanzee, Bubbles . Jackson's music video "Liberian Girl" (1989) comprises what is arguably the most star-studded ensemble of cameos in pop music history.

In order of appearance are: Beverly Johnson , Malcolm-Jamal Warner , Sherman Hemsley , Brigitte Nielsen , Paula Abdul , Carl Weathers , Whoopi Goldberg , Quincy Jones , Jackie Collins , Amy Irving , Jasmine Guy , Rosanna Arquette , Billy Dee Williams , Lou Diamond Phillips , Olivia Newton-John , John Travolta , Corey Feldman , Steven Spielberg , Deborah Gibson , Ricky Schroder , Blair Underwood , 'Weird Al' Yankovic , Bubbles , Suzanne Somers , Lou Ferrigno , Don King (and "Son"), Mayim Bialik , Virginia Madsen , David Copperfield , Emily and Richard Dreyfuss , Danny Glover , Olivia Hussey , Dan Aykroyd and Steve Guttenberg . Jackson appears only at the very end manning a camera on a crane. Directed by James Yukich . Ever since he was a boy, Michael Jackson was a fan of the Three Stooges, especially Curly Howard. In fact, for the Curly biography "Curly: An Illustrated Biography of the Superstooge" (Citadel Press, 1985), written by Curly's niece Joan Howard Maurer, Michael wrote the Foreward.

The irony here is that both men died at roughly the same age: Curly at forty-eight, Michael at fifty. Fan of Fulham Football Club (English Premier League soccer club), based at Craven Cottage, Fulham, London, England. Fellow fans include Elizabeth Hurley , Lily Allen , Hugh Grant , Pierce Brosnan , Hugh Laurie , Benicio Del Toro , Daniel Radcliffe and Andrew Johnston . Performed live with Britney Spears in September, 2001. Together they performed Jackson's song "The Way You Make Me Feel" at the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Special in Madison Square Garden. This was Jackson's last live performance of the song in front of an audience. Michael Jackson did sketches and drawings. Uncle of Yashi Brown , Austin Brown , Dealz , Jermajesty Jackson , Jaafar Jackson , Donte Jackson , Genevieve Jackson , Taryll Jackson , Taj Jackson , and T.J. Jackson . Was close friends with Lou Ferrigno . Jackson invited Ferrigno to be his personal trainer to prepare for the 'This Is It' concerts.

Ferrigno had appeared in the "Liberian Girl" short film in 1989 and they remained friends until Jackson's death in 2009. The film This is It about Jacksons scheduled 50 performances it the O2 Arena in Londen is the highest grossing documentary and concert movie of all time. Greatest hits compilation released on 17th November 2003, entitled "Michael Jackson: Number Ones", with one new song entitled "One More Chance". [November 2003] Cardiff, Wales: Concert being planned to honor The King of Pop on October 8, 2011 at Millennium Stadium, featuring Aguilera, Christina, Robinson, Smokeey, Gree, Cee Lo and others. [August 2011] Arrested and charged with sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy. [November 2003] Acquitted on all charges in the child molestation and intoxication of a minor trial. [June 2005] Trial for charges including molestation and intoxication of a minor begin. Expected to last at least 6 months.

[February 2005] Accepted Guinness World Record award for Greatest Album of all time, at London's Earls Court. [November 2006] Resides in Bahrain, a Muslim country that is located on the Southern part of Persian Gulf. [September 2005] The iconic red jacket he wore in his Michael Jackson: Thriller (1983) was sold for $1.8 million at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills (27 June 2011). In 2008 while at a Halloween party with his kids, people thought he was a Michael Jackson impersonator and played "Thriller" when he walked in. He had and extremely good memory with many people even claiming he had a photographic memory. He could remember names, stories, and information relating to encounters with people many years before. He was a huge fan of Marvel comics and a close friend of Stan Lee, to the point of wanting to buy the company in the 1980's. Akon said that a reason for the This Is It series of shows was that Michael's kids had never actually seen him perform.

It has been implied that much of his self-described Peter Pan persona as an eccentric and somewhat childlike man was created and imposed by his managers. Wesley Snipes, who got to know him while making the ''Bad'' music video, was surprised at his ability to hold long and detailed conversations about topics such as psychology, metaphysics and social issues. He was widely known to be a very private man. In one of his videos "Leave Me Alone," the video talked about negative and false stories about him after "Thriller.". Michael Jackson is born - Aug 29, 1958 - HISTORY.com Michael Jackson is born A+E Networks Pop sensation Michael Jackson is born on this day in Gary, Indiana. Jackson began performing with his four brothers in the pop group the Jackson 5 when he was a child. The group scored its first No. 1 single in 1969, with “I Want You Back.” By age 11, Jackson was appearing on TV, and by age 14 he had released his first solo album.

A Jackson 5 TV cartoon series appeared in the early ’70s, and in 1976 the Jackson family, including sister Janet Jackson, launched a TV variety show called The Jacksons that ran for one season. Throughout the 70s, media attention focused on Michael, who piped vocals in his high voice for “ABC,” “I’ll Be There,” and many other Top 20 hits. Jackson released several solo albums in the ’70s, but his great breakthrough came in 1979 with Off the Wall. He became the first solo artist to score four Top 10 hits from one album, including “She’s Out of My Life” and “Rock with You.” His next album, Thriller (1983), became the biggest selling album up to that time, selling some 45 million copies around the world. This time, he scored seven Top 10 singles, and the album won eight Grammies. Although his next album, Bad (1987), sold only about half as many copies as Thriller, it was still a tremendous best-seller. In 1991, Jackson signed an unprecedented $65 million record deal with Sony.

That year, he released Dangerous. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jackson developed a reputation as an eccentric recluse. He moved to a 2,700-acre ranch called Neverland, which he outfitted with wild animals and a Ferris wheel. He underwent a facelift and nose job and was rumored to have lightened his skin through chemical treatment, though he claimed his increasing pallor was due to a skin disease. In 1993, scandal broke when Jackson was publicly accused of child molestation and underwent investigation. The case settled out of court. In 1994, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley; the couple later divorced. Jackson married Deborah Rowe in 1996, and the couple had two sons, Prince and Paris, before divorcing in 1999. On June 13, 2005, Jackson was acquitted of sexual molestation of a young boy, Gavin Arvizo, in criminal court. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California, just weeks before a planned concert tour billed as his “comeback.” He was 50 years old.

Related Videos Janet Jackson - Hollywood Life Date of Birth: May 16, 1966 Hometown: Gary, Indiana, United States In a Relationship With: Wissam Al Mana Best Quotes: “It is my belief that we all have the need to feel special. It is this need that can bring out the best in us, yet the worst in us.” “Dreams can become a reality when we possess a vision that is characterized by the willingness to work hard, a desire for excellence, and a belief in our right and our responsibility to be equal members of society.” Bio: Janet Jackson (born Janet Damita Jo Jackson in Gary, Indiana on May 16, 1966) is an American recording artist and actress. She is the youngest child of the Jackson family, and she is famous for her provocative music and shows. She has sold over 100 million records, and she is ranked as one of the best-selling artists in the history of contemporary music. She has sold 26 million records, and has been named one of the “Top 50 R&B / Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years” by Billboard magazine.

She had hit singles such as “All For You,” “Together,” and “Nasty”. She is the sister of the late pop singer, Michael Jackson , and together, they sang “Scream”. Since his death, she has been very involved in his children’s lives. Best Known For: Being a member of the Jackson family, and being one of the best selling artists in history. Personal Life: Janet has been married and divorced twice. She has no children, and is often in the press for her fluctuating weight. She has been married to retail director Wissam Al Mana since 2012. Janet announced on April 6, 2016, that she would be postponing the second half of her “Unbreakable” tour to start a family with Wissam.

Question: In which US state was the late singer Michael Jackson born?
Answer: Indiana